After 11 hours of interrogation by US immigration at Miami International Airport on Monday, Omar Artan was told he would not be allowed into the country. His diplomatic passport and single-entry US visa were rejected.
Artan is suspected of being "associated with suspected members of terror organisations" by US officials. He was questioned over his links to the Somali militant group Al Shabab and told border officials he knew nothing about the organisation.
"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa," said Artan.
Fifa assisted Artan after being put on a plane to Somalia, and reports from BBC Sport claim they committed to paying his salary.
"I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup," said Artan.
